NEWS

February 26, 2013 | The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced today that it will partner with Industry Insights, Inc. to conduct a confidential benchmark study against which toy companies can compare how their financial results and operating statistics stack up against other companies of similar size, category or distribution channel. Industry Insights previously worked with TIA in 2012 to conduct a Toy Industry Compensation and Benefits Survey.

The first comprehensive study of its kind since 2004, the 2013 Toy Industry Financial & Operating Benchmark Study will collect financial information from TIA member companies engaged in the manufacture, importing and distribution of toys. All responses will be returned directly to the research firm where they will be kept in strict confidence; no individual company responses will be shared with TIA or any other person or organization. TIA will receive total industry and aggregated data only.

“Those who participate in this study will gain benchmark information such as how their advertising budget, gross margin and other expenses compare to peer organizations within the toy industry,” said Anne McConnell, TIA director of market research & data strategy. “This is a unique and valuable tool to assist toy companies of all sizes in making important business decisions.”

TIA members who participate will receive confidential, detailed results on a complimentary basis. Results will include valuable individualized information, industry totals (aggregated by key segments), an online search tool, and more. Only those companies who participate in the study will have the opportunity to compare their own financial information alongside the data and receive an individual Company Performance Report Card. TIA members who do not participate in the study may purchase the results for $750. Non-member companies will be able to purchase the results for $1,500.

The study will launch in early March and close on April 12. Participants will have the option of completing the confidential questionnaire online or via hard copy; the electronic version will go live on March 6 and hard copies will be mailed that week.

A presentation using top line data will be made at PlayCon (May 6-8, 2013).

Questions or requests for additional information may be directed to Anne McConnell, TIA director of market research & data strategy.